Periprosthetic femoral fractures around hip arthroplasty: Current concepts in their management

Peri-prosthetic fractures (PFF) are complex management problems in orthopaedic surgery. Their treatment has evolved with advances in principles of internal fixation and revision hip surgery. Current classification systems look at anatomical location, prosthesis stability and bone quality. Recent evidence highlights the importance of fracture stability in treatment planning, the weaknesses of single plating, the increasing role of long stem revision and also the importance of bone allografts. We present the principles of management of both intra and post-operative PFFs, including surgical techniques and published outcomes. (Hip International 2009; 19: 75-86)